There are various different categories of construction books which allow industry professionals and students to analyse and research the various skills, methodologies and practice required during the course of a contract or project.
The types of books on offer
The Chartered Institute of Building, for example, carries a list of books on its website of use to the industry.
Its list of categories include Architecture, Building Law and Contracts, Building Regulations and Services, Construction,Contract Management, Education, Environmental Issues, estimating and Tendering, Flooding, Health and Safety, JCT Contracts, Land and property, Maintenance, Management, merchandise, Site management, Surveying and Technology.
Each of the titles details procedure and practice that can impact on a project from its inception at the drawing board stage, to the development and procurement of a contract, appointment of a contractor and the beginning of work on site. Responsibility for different elements of legislation and procedure lie with different individuals on the project, from the client, CDM Coordinator or principal contractor but the texts either give and overview or detailed analysis of what is expected and the objectives to be met.
The role of industry bodies
Construction books specialise in the different responsibility that lies within each field of the industry so consultants, surveyors, architects, planners, contractors and builders. Each professional body within the industry often publishes texts, which are often used as the core texts for those studying construction courses. Bodies to have published construction books include RIBA, IEE, RICS, NBS, Residential Property Group.
The construction books deal with projects in a number of spheres, either commercial or residential development in the public or private sector as different legislation can have an impact or come into play. Similarly texts can also highlight geographical impacts on legislation and procedure, town planning is an example as this is often governed by local authority and varies not only country to country but often county to county. The different types of buildings worked on, historic or contemporary also have their own impacting legislation which is dealt with in different books.
The core construction books for students in the industry – whether undergoing a full time course or part time as part of an ongoing role are “Construction Technology” by Roy Chudley and “Modern Construction management” by Frank Harris.
The books are available in hard copy and kindle and offer an introduction and overview of the procedure and legislation likely to impact day to day and project to project.